Director of Immigration, Gareth Murillo, removed from his post following immigration scandal
Channel 5 Belize | The Immigration Department is rocked by a huge immigration scandal. While many people believe that the transgressions go all the way to the top, it seems a public officer is taking the fall. Gareth Murillo, who has been with the department for about six years, is being moved from his post as Director of Immigration effective Monday. He has been transferred to the Transport Department and will be replaced, we are told by public officer, Ruth Meighan.
At the onset of Channel Five’s special investigation into the human smuggling ring, Murillo sat down with News Five’s Jose Sanchez and explained how the policies work in respect of visas issued to Chinese nationals. When questioned about Cuba, Murillo indicated very clearly that any Cuba related visa, he approves is at the behest of the Ministry of Immigration and Defense. The Minister, Carlos Perdomo, told another media house that he personally sat with Murillo to approve visas to be issued at the Belize Embassy in Cuba. The scandal has also exposed that questionable visas have been granted to Sri Lankan and Somalis holding Kenyan Passports. Six immigration officers have been arrested and charged but others in much higher places including those at the Embassy in Cuba, are untouched in this issue that seriously “imperils the nation”.
The Vision Inspired by the People, the People’s United Party as well as Belizeans for Justice, have stated that the government needs to have an independent investigation into the matter. Prime Minister Dean Barrow has offered blind support to Minister Perdomo and said no to an independent commission but now Murillo is rolling.
